How to Close 2023

Those who have worked with me know that I am very good at starting new projects. I blame my parents.

My father is an idea machine. I admire his curiosity and how he sees the world as a sea of possibilities. Never shy to see what is not yet seen.

My mother is, after me, the most stubborn person I know. Her perseverance and determination to learn, create, grow and prosper is admirable.

I’m the combination of both of these traits, which fortunately and unfortunately creates a dynamic where I have the ability to see possibility and the determination to go after it. That can often get me in trouble though. Some call it the ‘shiny object syndrome’.

In 2023, I started a lot of new projects. And this is the time of the year to reflect and make peace with the year that was, and that wasn’t, for me.

Making peace with the year is a deeply personal and introspective process for me. It begins with acknowledging the experiences, both good and bad, that have shaped the year, and as a result, shaped me. I like to reflect on what I've learned about myself, the world, and the people around me. I consider the new skills or knowledge I've gained and the moments when I felt truly inspired.

It's also important for me to reflect on the moments of joy and laughter, as well as the times of struggle and tears. This helps me appreciate the full spectrum of human experience that the year brought me.

Finally, I try to let go of unfulfilled desires or dreams. It’s important to let go of what was not, to make space for what might become.

It’s lazy for me to drag into the new year unfulfilled goals from the previous year, thinking “this is the year”. But then I’m starting the new year in a place of debt, and having to play ‘catch-up’. It’s not very inspiring to feel behind at the start of a new chapter. This is why bringing peace to the year that was and wasn’t is more important than setting intentions and goals for the next year.

To support my process, this year I answered the below journaling prompts.

And this is how I learned to close 2023.

What did I learn about myself?

What new skills or knowledge did I gain?

When did I feel inspired?

When did I feel discouraged?

When did I feel scared?

What was surprising for me?

What was most difficult for me?

What sparked joy for me?

When did I feel most myself?

When did I feel least myself?

What am I most grateful for?

Who am I appreciative of?

Who do I feel resentment or unease with?

What do I regret?

How did my view of the world evolve?

How did my identity evolve?

What have you let go of this year?

What does my heart desire now?